My first week on the Etherwave theremin - thoughts (and frustrations)

So after spending about a week with my Etherwave Standard Theremin, here are my thoughts (and frustrations) in a video. 

I've done a ton of research, watched dozens of videos, read through hundreds of posts on this forum, asked many questions (and got some answers), and practiced many different styles and methods to try to find my playing style.

I really wished a video like this one had been available prior to venturing into the world of theremins. But unfortunately all I found and still find are the professionals showcasing their talents and trying to teach their playing styles.

For someone like me who is tall, with long arms and large hands - most tutorials didn't really help me get started.  So this video, is my way of helping newcomers, who either haven't bought a theremin yet, are curious about it, and want to know what to expect, in such a niche community (and instrument), where there really aren't any realistic videos out there to showcase the difficulty and nuances to such a peculiar and beautiful instrument.

I do have to mention, that since making this video, a member on this forum told me to try zero beat way behind me, to try and get an octave with my large hand, and I have to report that this did work for me. So it's possible that I might've figured this out thanks to a member on here! We will see as I continue to practice, if this little tidbit of information was the missing link. It's something that's not widely said on tutorials today, and needs to be included!

I just want to thank everyone here on Theremin World, Reddit, and the Theramania group on Facebook for the outpouring of messages, videos, feedback, and support! I've been practicing with all the tips and here's a progress update.

1. First I made sure my stance felt comfortable. I adjusted the mic stand to "fit" my height, and have my volume hand in a comfortable position. I didn' feel any tension or stress in my shoulders, elbows, or back.

2. I tuned the pitch field to have the zero beat behind me, not at my chest.

3. I tried Carolina Eyck's finger positions - which do feel most natural to me for some reason.

4. I then turned the pitch knob very slightly until the octave was in tune with my finger positions.

5. The result is the unlisted video below.

I'd love to hear more feedback. Am I doing things right? Does it look like I'm making progress? Can I improve anywhere (obviously I can)?

But I love getting your feedback and suggestions, it's helping me tremendously, I love this community!!! Or should I say Thereminity?!

About 25 years ago Peter Pringle was where you are today. So frustrated he met with Lydia Kavina to get a better understanding of what is going on.

There is no right or wrong way just a method that works and is physically comfortable for you. The precision will come with time. I think a bigger hand is advantages as finger movements have more precision than arm movements. Forget where zero beat shows up and adjust the pitch field and two octaves to match the size of your hand.

Again it is the “distance” your hand/fingers are from the pitch antenna, not the shape of your hand and fingers making peace signs an “O’s”, the body adds or subtracts from the linearity of the low end.

It is the rapid hand/finger movements with “lesser” volume control that creates a proper flowing theremin performance. If you want to pop individual musical notes then stick with a keyboard.

A little secret is that a beautiful sound is much easier to play, not the muffled fluty/whistle sound like the EWS and most theremin imitations. Reverb is a Band-Aid to hide a bad sound.

I could never play the theremin as I do not have the gift of coordination, can’t even hit a baseball.

My purpose has always been a messenger for those with an open mind and able to listen.

The modern authentic theremin design has not yet arrived. It is the understanding of the remarkable phenomena of nature in how “ideal pitch field linearity” comes about that even makes it possible to play, the instrument will then attract more professionals.

Pro's will bring the instrument into the main-stream. “People will come” as they long for a time before Artificial Intelligence & digital imitation became the norm . . . a day when life was much simpler.

My last design as "Father Time" sends me an invitation and my angel sings.

Performed by Valery Shamarin of St Petersburg Russia

My transistor design – https://oldtemecula.com/+lights-go-down.mp3

Christophe S Becker  Old Temecula  2025